Community Corner

Harford County's Top 10 Stories Of 2013

Yes. At Patch, we're looking ahead to the biggest stories of the year to come.

You've read all about the big stories of the past year.

Now it's time to look ahead to 2013 and what is in store for us as Harford County residents.

Here are 10 storylines we'll be following in 2013:

Find out what's happening in Aberdeenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  1. David Craig's political future. Craig will run for office in 2014, just not the one he's held for the better part of the last decade. Craig is expected to run for a state position—possibly governor. He has two years remaining in office here, and recently outlined an ambitious plan to finish out his term. We'll be watching.
  2. Where's Walmart? The outcome of Walmart's proposed move will be at the forefront on Bel Air Patch this year. Could it be the end of the world as we know it? Could it make the community better? Or will the super center be stopped in its tracks?
  3. Havre de Grace under attack—War of 1812 style. The War of 1812 bicentennial commemoration takes place in May 2013—on the same date when the British burned the small waterfront community 200 years earlier. A huge event is planned around the date—one you won't want to miss.
  4. Can the IronBirds put together a winning season? Hey, the Orioles did it. But Baltimore's minor league affiliate in Cal Ripken's hometown hasn't reached .500 yet. And playoffs? You wanna talk about playoffs? That hasn't happened yet either. But the 'Birds will look cool this year with that new logo.
  5. A new hospital in Havre de Grace? A few years ago, Upper Chesapeake came to Bel Air, revolutionizing urgent and specialized care for Harford County. Now, Harford County is on the verge of another hospital upgrade—this time in Havre de Grace. Progress is expected to continue on a new facility near Interstate 95, set to replace Harford Memorial Hospital.
  6. New schools, fields around Harford County? Craig made educational facilities a priority early in his time as county executive. Now, he's closing in on completing one mission: turf fields for all stadiums in the county. The county is also on the verge of new facilities at Youth's Benefit Elementary School and Havre de Grace High School. Watching the progress on those projects will be interesting this year.
  7. An ongoing development. Harford County has been developing into a self-sustaining suburban community over the past two decades, with large employers, shopping centers and sprawling residential neighborhoods. It continues along the Interstate 95, Route 40 and Route 24 corridors. With BRAC in place at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the county continues to develop. We'll follow how the business community and traffic infrastructure responds. 
  8. A trial run. Robert Richardson III is set to stand trial in 2013, charged as an adult in the January 2012 shooting death of his father. Patch will stay on top of this case, as well as other breaking news and legal matters that arise.
  9. A double-Eagle? Can the Aberdeen girls basketball team repeat its state championship? The Eagles won their first crown in 2012, led by a talented group of seniors. Returning this season for her final year before joining the Terps in College Park, Bri Jones should lead Aberdeen deep into the March tournament.
  10. Your story. Tell us what is going on. Join the Patch team through our Local Voices platform—sharing photos, videos, stories and anything else you want to contribute. Make our community stronger by lending your expertise.

What are the stories you'll be watching for in 2013? Tell us in the comments below, or get a jumpstart on No. 10, and represent your community in our Local Voices.


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